Employment & Support Allowance

illustration of a red carEmployment & Support Allowance (ESA) is paid to someone who has become long-term sick on or after 27 October 2008.
It replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support for people with long-term health problems.
It is planned to move existing IB and IS claimants onto ESA within the next year or so.

The amount paid depends on how long you have been claiming and, following a series of assessments, which group you are placed in.

There are two groups:

  • the work-related activity group
  • the support group

Assessment is based on all of the following:

  • limited capability for work assessment
  • limited capability for work-related activity assessment
  • work-focused health-related assessment

To qualify, points must be equal to or more than 15, regardless of whether someone has physical or mental health problems.
You can apply by telephone, textphone or by filling in a form. Click here for more information. Opens in a new window